Coal Creek -- Christmas arrived early for some children in the community when Santa Claus arrived in town to present them with gifts, food and fun.

On Saturday, the Town of Coal Creek joined forces with members of Eureka Masonic Lodge No. 66 to throw a party for the children living in the community.

"We've had more than 100 children," said Joan Worthen, within the first 30 minutes.

Those attending the festivities included Carol and Shane Hodge with their child, Gabriel, 4.

"It's very good," she said. "We've been coming here for a long time."

Shane agreed.

"I love it," he said. "It's good to see the community pull together this time of year. I think it's a very good function they throw every year."

This was the first time for Basilia Kessler to come to the party with her grandchildren.

"I think it's a good thing for the children," Kessler said. "At least it's a warm place. They don't have to stand outside waiting for Santa Claus."

It was the same for Kristina Smith, who attended the event.

"I think this is super awesome thing they do for the community," she said.

This is the second year that Chandra Enright brought her children.

"I think it's good," she said. "The kids look forward to it. It's a nice way to meet everybody in the community. You don't see a lot of that anymore."

The tradition began in the early 2000s when the Masons hosted a Christmas party for the town's children in the lodge.

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In the meantime, the town provided a fire truck with Santa Claus going from place to place to greet children and pass out candy.

When Mayor Connie Higgs was elected, she decided it would be a good idea to join forces with the Masons, who jumped at the idea.

"It's more and more a town picnic and we just host it here," said member Bill Worthen, Sr. "We provide the building, some refreshments and toys."

During this time, he and his wife, Joan helped to write grants to restore the building so it could become a meeting place for the community.

"It was a focal point of the town at one time," Bill said. "All the unions used to meet here (and so did) four or five fraternal organizations. They used to have dances here, showed movies here, held town meetings (and performed) plays. When they had a school, they used to have their graduation for eighth grade."

At the end of the event, children left happy, grasping their bicycles, stuffed animals, books, assorted toys, gift certificates and more.